Canadian freestyle skier star Mikael Kingsbury is juggling both moguls and fatherhood. The 32-year-old Olympic and world champion from Deux-Montagnes, Que., opens his World Cup season Saturday in Ruka, Finland, with partner Laurence Mongeon and their infant son Henrik in tow. Henrik was born Aug. 25. “It changes your life, that’s for sure,” Kingsbury said Tuesday from Ruka in a media conference call. “Get used to waking up in the middle of the night, but at the same time, it is the most beautiful thing in the world. “It brings a beautiful balance to my career.” While Kingsbury acknowledges there are great hockey players named Henrik, he says the inspiration for the name was his niece liking a boy named Henrik in her kindergarten class. “I always liked the name anyway,” Kingsbury said. “Laurence and I agree it fits his face. “I didn’t ski as much this summer because I wanted to be home and I wanted to be present. We’re five weeks on the road for the start of this season, so I couldn’t see myself doing five weeks without seeing my kid. “I would have missed my family too much, so I brought them on the road for three weeks.” Regarded as the most dominant moguls skier of all time, the Canadian achieved another significant milestone last season when he surpassed Swedish alpine skier Ingemar Stenmark for the most all-time World Cup victories by a male athlete in any ski discipline. Kingsbury embarks on his 16th World Cup season with a career 90 victories. He’s finished in the medals in 129 of 151 career World Cup starts. But while Kingsbury claimed last season’s dual moguls crown, Japan’s Ikuma Horishima challenged Kingsbury’s reign by claiming his first crystal globe in moguls. “The mindset is still the same. The goals are still the same,” Kingsbury said. “Coming into the season, I want to focus on one race at a time. That’s how you get to a crystal globe. “The main focus is being consistent, staying healthy to start the season, try to get the momentum of the start and stay healthy until the end of this season. “I usually start strong, and I can finish very strong, and that’s how you win crystal globes.” Kingsbury won an Olympic moguls gold medal in 2018 and silver in both 2014 and 2022. Dual moguls makes its Olympic debut in 2026 in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Kingsbury has swept both moguls and dual moguls gold medals in three straight world championships. He’ll attempt the double a fourth time March 18-21 in Engadin, Switzerland. “Henrik and my family now are my priority and skiing comes second, but I know I can still win,” Kingsbury said. “It’s going to be different. My family is going to be home and it might be a bit more difficult, but at the same time I see a lot of positive in being a dad. I feel way more relaxed on the mountain.” One secret to Kingsbury’s success has been his durability. His only major injury hiccup so far was fracturing two vertebrae in his back training in Ruka ahead of the 2020-21 season. Kingsbury sat out the first three World Cups and won the fourth upon return to action. He’s closer to the end of his career than the beginning, so quality training, not quantity, is important to him. “As I get older, I cannot do too much, but I’ve got to do the right amount and make sure I can peak in 2026,” he explained. “The challenge is going to be the best dad I can and the best skier I can and try to manage in the middle. It’s never going to be perfect, but I’m to do as best as I can and make sure I’m ready in 2026. “I feel fortunate for all the team (members) that I have around me, teammates, and all the coaches and staff that are working with me. They’re going to make my life easy when it’s going to be difficult.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024.D uring my years as a fellow at Oxford, I shared a kitchen at my college with a Mexican working on her doctoral thesis on the Chicano Movement, a pivotal social and political movement in the U.S. focusing on Mexican-American rights and empowerment. While preparing a meal, we would chat into the night on some common areas of interest, mainly civil rights and social justice, or the cultural preservation and identity of the minorities. The lack of anti-war or anti-discrimination efforts by the state became one of our primary areas of conversation. Latino social justice movements on intersectional feminism and identity politics gave us an insight into the wide impact of such research. Through these exchanges, I developed a profound interest in the intricate dynamics between dissent, democratic values, and the challenges posed by authoritarian narratives, a subject I went on to link to my research on dissident politics in the U.S. Our kitchen became a hub for cultural exchange and intellectual discussions, a cornerstone of postgraduate life. Beyond intellectual discussions, I discovered the culinary heritage and the rich flavours of Chicano cuisine. Over cerveza and lively conversations, my friend and I would collaboratively cook traditional dishes such as chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers) and enchiladas rojas (red sauce-covered tortillas with meat). On some days, I would roast drumsticks or whip up Madhur Jaffrey’s iconic Chettinad pepper chicken learned from her classic BBC cookbook published decades ago. The subtle, tantalising aromas wafting through the rooms would entice neighbours to drop by for a bite. Our culinary adventures transcended mere cooking, evolving into a gastro-intellectual experience. We savoured not only the flavours but also the stories and traditions behind each dish, weaving together food, culture, and camaraderie. It so happened that before I left Oxford, I left my crockery and some utensils neatly stored in a corner of the sideboard. Four years later, I returned to Oxford and revisited my college digs where I had spent a meaningful part of my academic life. Astonishingly, on peeping into the kitchen, I discovered my utensils exactly where I had left them. No one — not even the caretaker or cleaning staff — had disturbed them. This small gesture spoke volumes about the university’s culture of trust and respect. I remember our kitchen’s sole refrigerator was shared by two of us, yet we effortlessly managed our individual space without prior demarcation. Each of us claimed a shelf, storing sandwiches, eggs, bacon, fish, beer, and wine. Remarkably, not a single item went missing. This unwritten understanding reinforced the spirit of fellowship that defined our living arrangement. The refrigerator, a shared space, transcended its practical purpose to represent our collective values, a testament to our harmonious interaction, where trust and mutual respect reigned. Many, many years have gone by, and as I savour a meal of butter chicken which I often cooked back in Oxford, memories flooded in. I recalled the college library, where students could borrow books without supervision. The honour system encouraged community involvement, integrity and self-regulation, inculcating in students the practice of borrowing books without supervision, and thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and uprightness. We would simply sign out books with our names, titles, and ID numbers, and return them by dropping them into a designated box. Year-end stock checks rarely revealed more than two or three missing books. One particular instance absorbed me. Two texts on economics went missing, and suspicion subtly fell on an Asian couple researching economics within the college. Invited to dinner at their residence, I spotted the missing books on a lower shelf. We later jokingly remarked, “Only a South Asian could think of such a theft!” Having experienced similar incidents during my M.Phil. days, I was not surprised. Back then, some classmates would tear out chapters or steal entire books, leaving the library vandalised. We knew the culprit — the eldest in our batch, who ironically posed as a fatherly figure to us aspiring teachers. His actions went unchecked, but the memory lingered. Oxford’s library, however, stood in stark contrast. Its trust-based system and minimal losses demonstrated the power of shared accountability and academic integrity. The shared kitchens and resources at Oxford created a nurturing environment for postgraduate students and visiting fellows, encouraging a spirit of closeness and intellectual curiosity. Through mealtime discussions, individuals formed lasting connections, broadened their academic horizons, and developed enduring bonds. shelleywalia@gmail.com Published - November 24, 2024 03:13 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditIn a thrilling match that kept snooker fans on the edge of their seats, Zhang Anda secured his spot in the last 32 of the Scottish Open with a nail-biting victory in the deciding frame. The Chinese player showcased his skill and composure under pressure as he faced tough opposition and managed to come out on top in a tense encounter.

DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLThe distressing situation unfolded mid-flight, prompting the flight crew to spring into action and offer immediate assistance to the affected passenger. With expert training and a well-equipped emergency kit on board, the crew quickly attended to the passenger's needs and provided necessary medical attention to address their condition.

In conclusion, the request for the former defense minister's arrest marks a significant turning point in the fight against corruption and unethical behavior in South Korea. It is a clear signal that no one is above the law and that those who betray the public trust will be held accountable for their actions. Only by upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity can South Korea build a more just and equitable society for all its citizens.

Furthermore, the Chinese government's efforts to stimulate domestic consumption and boost economic growth have also played a significant role in driving investor sentiment towards Chinese concept stocks. With a series of targeted stimulus measures, including tax cuts, infrastructure investments, and monetary policy adjustments, China has been able to bolster consumer spending and support businesses, which has in turn boosted the confidence of investors in the Chinese market.

Russia's claim of striking a Ukrainian fuel depot raises concerns about the impact on civilian populations and the potential for environmental damage. The targeting of critical infrastructure such as fuel depots can have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of military operations but also in terms of humanitarian and environmental concerns. Ukraine's response in destroying Russian military equipment underscores the determination of both sides to defend their territories and assert their sovereignty.

While many people like to use riding mowers, if you don't own a huge piece of property, a push mower is likely a more practical way to keep your lawn maintained. Push mowers come in all shapes and sizes these days, and choosing which one is right for you can be a daunting task with all the different options made by different brands that are available. You might be wondering if electric lawn mowers are better than gas-powered mowers , or — if you do decide to go electric — whether or not you should go with a corded option or a battery-powered cordless mower, which are becoming increasingly more common as the technology advances. You might also be considering the size of the mower's deck — an important variable if you've got a larger yard — or how versatile a mower's cutting height and grass disposal may be. It's likely you are also concerned with the performance of any new lawn mower and which is the most powerful electric mower made by every major brand . Cost is another major factor when deciding on a new piece of outdoor equipment, especially because more affordable options can greatly vary in quality. To help you with your choice, here are six of the highest-rated push mowers under $500. More information on where these customer ratings come from and how these mowers were evaluated can be found at the end of this list. Owned by the same corporation as trusted tool brand Skil , Ego has been making a name for itself as a go-to brand for battery-powered equipment. In fact, Ego claims to be the top-rated cordless outdoor brand in the industry and that its Ego 21-inch Power+ push mower is the first lithium-ion mower to outperform gas-powered equivalents. Based on over 1,400 Amazon user ratings, the product has a 4.5 out of five overall customer score, as well as a formidable 4.6 out of five on EGO's own website based on over 7,800 customer ratings. It can run up to 45 minutes on a single charge with an Ego 56V 5 Ah ARC battery and has a quick and straightforward push-button start. Its wide 21-inch deck will cover plenty of ground in a single pass, and you can select one of three cutting functions: mulching, side discharge, and bagging — with its two-bushel grass bag easy to access. Other features include six height positions that can be adjusted one-handed, bright LED headlights, a weather-resistant body, and a folding mechanism for easy storage. The 21-inch Power+ is just one of several different battery-powered mowers sold by Ego, and which Ego electric mower is best for you may depend on your specific needs. However, they all have one drawback when compared to gas-powered mowers, in that you're entirely reliant on the battery. If you forget to charge it or don't have spares — or if your lawn is simply too big to cover with one fully-charged battery — you'll be out of luck. If the pros of going electric outweigh the cons for you, though, the Ego 21-inch Power+ is a solid choice. The Ego 21-inch Power+ mower , which has product code LM2112, is available from Amazon for $429. Several of the highest-rated push mowers available are 40V cordless options from Ryobi, including the Ryobi 40V 18-inch 2-in-1 Push Mower. Based on at least 1,130 Home Depot customer reviews, the product has a 4.2 out of five overall rating, with nearly three-quarters of customers recommending it. One of several great Ryobi tools that make yard work easier , the 18-inch 2-in-1 Push Mower is a compact, lightweight machine that's a breeze to push around and maneuver. Since it's battery-powered, start-up is literally as easy as a push of a button, with no messy gas engine to prime or maintain. With a Ryobi 40V 6 Ah battery , the mower can run up to a half hour, which is enough to cover a quarter-acre. One particularly useful feature is the ability to easily switch between either a mulching mode or a side-discharge option. You can also adjust the position of the blades between seven different heights ranging between 1.5 inches and 4 inches, allowing you to choose exactly how you'd like your lawn to look. Plus, the handles collapse to make the mower easier to store. The 40-volt batteries used to power the Ryobi mower can also be used with other Ryobi 40V cordless equipment. However, this can also be a huge downside if you don't own other Ryobi products — especially since its line of 40V tools is smaller and generally more expensive than its similar 18V and 12V systems. If you do invest in Ryobi's battery-powered mower, you may want to also consider buying some other Ryobi 40V electric yard tools , just to make the expensive batteries more worth your while. Home Depot sells the Ryobi 40V 18-inch 2-in-1 Push Mower for $219. If you're looking for a beefier gas-powered mower under $500, you can't go wrong with the Troy-Bilt TB230B XP, which is powered by a 163cc Briggs and Stratton engine that has a no prime, no choke start. Troy-Bilt is one of the most reliable push lawn mower brands on the market, and it's easy to see why with its TB230B XP — the steel 21-inch deck is durably built, and its 11-inch rear wheels will offer enough traction to handle uneven terrain. The mower's variable-speed front-wheel drive will also make turns faster and give you plenty of maneuverability. The TB230B XP has a dual-lever, six-position height adjustment and comes equipped with a TriAction cutting system that uses a rake bumper, specialized blade, and symmetrical deck, while an included mulch kit can help keep your lawn healthy, among other benefits. If you'd rather get rid of your clippings, the mower also has a 1.9-bushel rear bag for easy collection and disposal, while a deck wash adaptor can be connected to your garden hose to make cleaning grass from under your mower a cinch. The side discharge chute also has an integrated clip that attaches to the handle when you don't need it. The Troy-Bilt TB230B XP has a 4.1 out of five overall user score, based on nearly 650 Home Depot reviews, with over two-thirds of customers recommending the product. However, some customers have mentioned that the self-propelled mechanism that typically makes the mower easier to push can struggle with thicker grass, which is something to keep in mind. The Troy-Bilt TB230B XP is available from Home Depot for $439. The mower even comes fully assembled, so you can get straight to work. Greenworks is a popular brand for electric mowers — it even makes one of the best automated robot lawn mowers on the market. If you prefer to trim your grass yourself and leave indoor vacuuming to the robots , the Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower is a great option. It has a positive 4.2 out of 5 overall customer score, based on over 10,500 Amazon reviews. Powered by the same proprietary 40V battery that can be used for over 75 other comparable Greenworks tools, the electric mower can run up to 40 minutes on a single charge and cover up to 1⁄3 of an acre. You can fully recharge the battery in two hours to cover any additional ground you need to. Like most modern electric mowers, it has a simple push button start. The mower has five different height positions ranging from 1.25 inches to 3-3⁄8 inches, giving you some versatility when it comes to grass height. Plus, it can either be used with a bag or mulch the grass instead. It should be noted that a 16-inch deck is on the smaller side for a push mower, which means you may have to go up and down your lawn in more rows than you otherwise would need to with something like a 20-inch mower. If you've got a smaller lawn or don't mind adding a few extra steps to your FitBit though, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower is one of the highest-rated push mowers you can find for under $500. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower retails for $299 on Amazon, though it's currently discounted for $249.99. Even better, that price includes a 4.0 Ah 40V battery and charger. Yardmax makes a powerful gas-powered leaf blower , as well as other robust landscaping equipment, including a range of gas-powered push mowers. Based on over 711 reviews, the Yardmax 21-inch 170 cc 2-in-1 Mower has a 4.1 out of five overall user rating on Home Depot's website, with over three-fourths of customers recommending it. It's a lightweight and compact push mower that's great to use in tighter spaces, but has enough oomph to it for serious cutting. It can easily be adjusted between seven different cutting heights between 1.25 and 3.75 inches using a single lever, and can both mulch or discharge trimmings to the side. Its wide, 21-inch deck incorporates a volute spiral design for increased airflow and mulching capabilities. This 16-gauge steel deck is also built in one piece to reduce vibration, making it easier to control along with its 7-inch front and 11-inch rear ball-bearing wheels and adjustable, three-position handle. Plus, the mower can easily be folded for storage and minimal assembly is required when you unbox it for the first time. With a 170cc gas engine, you'll also get one of the strongest push mowers in its class. Though — if you prioritize power over everything else — this model might not be the best choice, as Yardmax also offers 201cc push mowers that come in both rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive . However, the 170cc model is cheaper than these options, and has just as high — if not better — customer ratings, which should also be taken into consideration. The Yardmax 21-inch 170 cc 2-in-1 Mower has product code YG1550 and is available from Home Depot for $260. If you really want to save money on a push mower, you can always opt for a manual reel mower, like the ones your great-grandparents may have used before gas-powered mowers became popular. Manual reel mowers are still around though, and they can be especially useful for small yards or parts of your lawn that have very steep inclines, where a heavier push mower might be too cumbersome to maneuver. Plus, manual reel mowers are a lot quieter and a lot cheaper than gas or electric push mowers, and that's not even including the money you'll save on energy costs. Maintenance for manual mowers can be a lot easier, too, especially when compared to gas-powered alternatives. The American Lawn Mower 14-inch Manual Reel Mower is one of the highest-rated push mowers on Amazon, with over 14,000 customers giving it an average score of 4.3 out of five. It weighs just 19 pounds and uses a tempered alloy steel three-spider, single-blade reel that's easy-rolling and has a cutting height between 1⁄2 and 1-1/2 inches. American Lawn Mower says its deluxe hand-reel mower is ideal for "most turf grasses — especially for cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, fescue and rye," providing a precise, scissor-like cut with rear grass deflection. Despite its great reviews and quality construction, this isn't the best choice if you're looking to minimize manual labor when it comes to yard work — especially if you've got a really big lawn. However, you'll never have to worry about running out of gas, battery life, or straying too far from a power outlet with a good, old-fashioned manual push mower. Amazon sells the American Lawn Mower 14-inch Manual Reel Mower (product code 1204-14) for $89.99, though it's currently available for $79.50. Customer ratings are a great way to determine if a product is reliable and works as advertised before you decide whether or not to purchase it. The push mowers under $500 included on this list have high user ratings on either Amazon or Home Depot, which both have large amounts of customers weighing in on each product. The bigger the base of customers reviewing a product, the more reliable the user rating is, as any fake reviews or outlier scores made in bad faith (whether positively or negatively) won't have much of an impact. Some of the recommended push mowers on this list all have customer ratings of at least 4.1 on Home Depot's website — with at least 450 ratings weighing in on each product and at least two-thirds of customers recommending each — while others have at least a 4.2 out of five-star average customer score on Amazon, with at least 1,400 user ratings — if not many thousands more — factored into that score. Additionally, an effort was made to include various brands and power types of push mowers for this list for a broader range of options to choose from. So, while several of the highest-rated push mowers available from Home Depot are battery-powered and made by Ryobi, not all were included to leave room for other high-rated mowers from other brands as well as those that use other power sources, such as gasoline. Because this list is focusing on more affordable mowers under $500, some high-rated options were completely left off this list. For example, Home Depot sells some top-rated mowers that are made by Makita, but this brand is absent from this list because the mowers they make priced under $500 generally have poorer overall reviews.One of the key aspects of Qiong Yao’s dramas that resonates with young viewers is the portrayal of intense and often tumultuous romantic relationships. The term “romantic brain” has been used to describe the tendency of young people to idealize love and relationships, often influenced by the emotional rollercoaster depicted in Qiong Yao’s stories. The intense love triangles, tragic misunderstandings, and tear-jerking reunions characteristic of her dramas have a way of capturing the imaginations of young audiences, who may find themselves swept away by the grand gestures and emotional depth of the characters.

Founder of failed crypto lending platform Celsius Network pleads guilty to fraud chargesAs part of the initiative, the Shenzhen Railway Bureau has also deployed additional staff members at key stations to provide assistance to migrant workers. These staff members are trained to handle various situations and address any concerns that passengers may have, ensuring that everyone receives the support they need throughout their journey.